This blog was originally published on 25/05/2021. It was updated on 26/10/2022. 

 

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

Summary: In this blog, we look into the benefits of feeding your dog anchovies, what makes them the perfect addition to your pup's diet, and how to add these powerful fish into your pet’s life.

 

Let’s face it, our furry best friends know how to eat! From eggshells to dropped table scraps, our pups will try to consume pretty much anything they can get their paws on - but not all of it is good for them. 

As puppy parents, we want to always make sure we’re giving our pups food that will benefit them and keep them healthy - rather than an emergency trip to the vets! Well, turns out there might be a small, silvery fish that you can add to your dog’s diet, supporting their health in more ways than one...

What Are Anchovies?

Anchovies; you’ve no doubt heard of how good these tiny fish are for us humans - especially the oil they produce. Well, turns out these nutrient-dense fish are great for your dog, too!

Packed with healthy fats and a plethora of vitamins and minerals, anchovies are small, silvery fish with blue and green flecks along their backs. There are over 100 species of anchovy, which can be found in shallow tropical seas - often linking to river mouths. Ranging from 5-6 inches, these tasty ‘oily’ swimmers grow quickly and live their lives in huge schools, consuming plankton, which helps them to gain their health-benefiting properties. 

Just like sardines, mackerel, herring, and salmon, anchovies are classed as an ‘oily fish’, which produce a great natural source of omega 3 - perfect for supporting your dog’s brain, skin, coat, joints, and overall health.

Take a look at some of the incredible health benefits anchovies can offer your dog...

Are Anchovies Good For Dogs?

The answer to the question “can dogs eat anchovies?” is a resounding “yes!” In fact, anchovies have many health benefits and serve as a great complement to your dog’s healthy diet. Here are some of the main benefits of anchovies for dogs...

4. Supports Coat & Skin Health

Another wonderful benefit provided by anchovies is their ability to support skin & coat health. The magical omega-3 comes into play again, maintaining coat conditions whilst providing moisture to dry, itchy skin. Plus the platter of vitamins and minerals can help to keep your dog’s coat thick and shiny.

5. Can Help Memory

As mentioned above, anchovies contain high levels of DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid that supports brain functions - including memory. Particularly when it comes to juvenile dogs, their brain is continuously developing, so it is imperative to aid their growth and development in this vital stage - that’s where anchovies can come to the rescue and offer natural support.

6. Helps Regulate Metabolism & Digestion

In addition to the healthy nutrients listed above, anchovies also contain selenium, which plays a key role in metabolism and digestion. Anchovies are just one option to help with digestive support for dogs, but they are a good one.

Can Anchovies Be Bad For Dogs?

Of course, it is also important to remember that anything you give your dog should be in moderation and some anchovies are sold in ways that can be super unhealthy...

Anchovies packed in salt, large amounts of oil, or doused in spice are definite no-nos as they can be toxic! High volumes of sodium found in salt is bad, so should be avoided at all costs when it comes to adding anchovies to your dog’s diet.

Can Dogs Eat Anchovies In Olive Oil?

Because anchovies are relatively high in fat (despite fats being an essential part of a healthy dog diet), consuming too many anchovies can pose a problem for dogs with sensitive tummies, a history of pancreatitis or those who are already overweight. It's therefore advisable to avoid anchovies packed in oils like olive oil because these oils are also high in fat - this will just contribute to that fat content and thus their calorie intake. If you can only find anchovies in olive oil, make sure to drain the fish thoroughly of the oil before sharing it with your pup.

How to Feed Your Dog Anchovies

Now that you understand the many benefits of anchovies for your dog, let’s look at a few ways to feed them to your dog.

The first and simplest way to feed anchovies to your dog is to give them whole as long as they're plain and unseasoned. Some dogs might love the taste of anchovies, while some might not be as inclined. You can try feeding them singularly as a treat or adding them to your dog’s dry food or wet food throughout the day.

Smaller dogs can have 2-3 anchovies a day and larger dogs can have up to 5 anchovies a day. 

Final Thoughts On Dogs And Anchovies

So, is fish good for dogs? Well, when it comes to anchovies, the simple answer is, yes! And, anchovies might just be the best option for your pup. A lot of fish are unfortunately tainted with pollutants and toxins - especially fish further up the food chain; salmon, tuna, and mackerel. However, anchovies are at the bottom of the food chain and live only for a short period of time, meaning they are less likely to harbour these toxic pollutants - perfect for your pup to eat and only gain the awesome health benefits.

Sources

Author Permenter, Paris & Bigley, John “Anchovy Dog Treat Recipe.” DogTipper, 3 July 2021, https://www.dogtipper.com/recipes/2017/07/anchovy-dog-treat-recipe.html  

“Understanding How Omega-3 Dampens Inflammatory Reactions.” ScienceDaily, ScienceDaily, 23 Aug 2017, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170823093831.htm#:~:text=Clinical%20trials%20have%20also%20shown,patients%20taking%20omega%2D3%20supplements.&text=FULL%20STORY-,Omega%2D3%20fatty%20acids%2C%20which%20we%20primarily%20get%20through%20eating,be%20good%20for%20our%20health

"Can Dogs Eat Anchovies? How To Feed Anchovies To Dogs" MasterClass, May 5. 2022 https://www.masterclass.com/articles/can-dogs-eat-anchovies